Vanilla is the most popular flavouring in the world, smoothing and enhancing chocolate and citrus. Born from the only fruiting member of the orchid genus, fully cured black bean pods resemble licorice when they are ready to use. Generations ago Canadian girls used a a little vanilla extract behind their ears as a perfume before they went out to the dance, which shows a humble wisdom, since recent studies have shown that the sweet, smoky scent is an male aphrodisiac. Vanilla beans will keep for over a year if stored in an airtight container and kept from heat and light.